Treatment of constipation in breastfed babies

This article is expertly consulted by Master, Doctor Ngo Thi Oanh - Pediatrician - Pediatrics - Neonatology - Vinmec Ha Long International General Hospital.

Breastfed babies may just sniff but not have a bowel movement for a few days as long as their stools are still soft and the baby is gaining weight normally there is nothing to worry about. However, in case the child has not had a bowel movement for 5-6 days as well as in addition to solid dry stools and the baby shows signs of pain and fussiness, it is possible that the baby is having a problem.
For infants, constipation is defined based on the state of the baby's stools rather than the frequency of the baby's bowel movements. Newborns are constipated if they have hard, small stools or stools that are very large and difficult to pass.

There are many reasons why babies are constipated while breastfeeding, including:
Due to solid foods: If your baby is introduced to solid foods suddenly, especially for babies who are eating solid foods for the first time. Babies are often constipated. The reason is that in the period of weaning, dishes such as milk powder, cereal flour as well as cereal porridge, ... often lack fiber. When parents introduce these foods to their children too early, it can cause constipation.

Infants who drink formula milk in addition to breast milk: Babies who are breastfed sparingly but drink formula are often at risk of constipation because breast milk contains a balanced composition of fats as well as protein, fiber and water. , ... helps to keep the baby's stool soft even when the baby doesn't go to the toilet for a day or two. Besides, different protein composition in formula milk can also cause constipation in babies. Babies who use formula milk in large amounts and are constipated often have green, hard stools. Dehydration: If a child is dehydrated or dehydrated, his body will absorb fluids from anywhere, be it from the food or drink he consumes as well as from the stool in his intestines. This inadvertently causes the texture of the baby's stool to become dry and more solid, making it difficult for the child to have a bowel movement. Another cause of infant constipation is illness as well as health problems. Constipation while breastfeeding in babies can be due to health problems such as hyperthyroidism, congenital megaloblastic disease, diabetes, or diseases of the nervous system such as cerebral palsy and retardation. mental development, problems with the spine,...

Constipated breastfed babies are a concern of many parents with small children who are in the breastfeeding stage. To help your baby get rid of constipation while breastfeeding, you can refer to some of the following ways:
Give your baby more water: In addition to breastfeeding, mothers can give the baby a little more water to drink. water to help your baby's stools expand and move more easily through the intestines. Change the type of formula your baby is using: In case a baby is constipated when drinking formula, parents should change to another type of formula. Parents can consult with pediatricians as well as experienced nutritionists to find the most suitable milk for their baby. Add fiber to your baby's diet: For babies who have started weaning, but adding water cannot help improve symptoms of constipation in children, parents should replace them with vegetables with laxative properties. baby like sweet potatoes or apples, plums and pears. These foods will help soften your baby's stool, making it easier for him to pass. For children over 4 months old, parents should only give their children fruit juice without added sugar with an amount of 30-50ml of juice mixed with water in a ratio of 1: 1.
In addition to enhancing breastfeeding, mothers You can also rub the baby's belly, rub it clockwise on an empty stomach with a frequency of 1-2 times a day and each time for 5-10 minutes to limit constipation for the baby. In addition, mothers should practice letting their baby have a bowel movement at a certain time of the day to help create a daily bowel reflex for the child. Parents should take the child to a specialist for examination if the above methods have been applied but the baby's constipation is not improved because in some cases, the child's constipation is due to diseases or effects. side effects of medications they are taking. Parents should especially take their children to the doctor immediately in cases where the baby is constipated while breastfeeding accompanied by symptoms such as the child not gaining weight or prolonged constipation as well as the baby having fever, abdominal distention, vomiting or vomiting. If the child shows signs of prolonged constipation, parents can take the child to see a doctor and get support and advice from doctors and nutritionists. Doctors at Vinmec will minimize the use of antibiotics for children and give advice to help children avoid side effects due to drug use.
In addition, parents should pay attention to nutrition to improve resistance for children. At the same time, add supporting foods containing lysine, essential micro-minerals and vitamins such as zinc, chromium, selenium, B vitamins,... snacks and less digestive problems.
Parents can learn more:
Why do you need to supplement Lysine for your baby?
The role of zinc - Guidelines for reasonable zinc supplementation
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